DG Lance June Message:

Greetings District 6580 Rotarians!

As we approach Rotary Fellowship Month, it is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the remarkable bonds and global connections that define our Rotary community. As I write this article, Rotarians from all corners of the world are coming together to celebrate the spirit of fellowship and frendships at the Rotary International Conference in Melbourne, Australia.

Rotary Fellowship Month shows us the power of human connection, outweighing our geographic boundaries and cultural differences. It is a time when Rotarians engage in various activities that promote peace, cultural understanding, and the exchange of ideas. These activities foster goodwill and strengthen our ties that bind us as we work towards creating a positive change in the world.

During the month of June, let us reflect on what the Rotary Clubs in our District have organized in terms of events and initiatives. Many of our clubs perform fellowship through their service projects and host golf tournaments or other types of events that Rotarians can get together. Some of our clubs host special meetings to focus on fellowship, like a 5:31 club or hosting an annual picnic or meeting at a park or a local children’s museum. Most importantly, let's not forget to include all of our families in our fellowship activities. Family is important to Rotary because Rotary is an organization that values and promotes strong family bonds and recognizes the crucial role that families play in supporting Rotarians in their service to the community.

As we head into Rotary Fellowship month, let us celebrate the connections we have made and the friendships we have deepened. These relationships are the building blocks of our Rotary family and the key to our success as we continue to make a positive impact in our communities.

Let us keep in mind that the spirit of fellowship extends beyond the month of June. It is a guiding principle that infuses everything we do as Rotarians. Let us remain committed to nurturing these connections, embracing diversity, and fostering an inclusive environment within our clubs and communities.
May our connections grow stronger, friendships deepen, and our collective efforts inspire lasting change in the world.

Thank you for all of your service.

Lance Eberle
District 6580 Governor 2022-2023
1405 N. College Ave.
Bloomington, IN 47404
812-360-0357
lance.district6580@gmail.com

Help us CELEBRATE the Success of the 22-23 Rotary Year
AND Welcome in the Leadership for 23-24!
Last chance to RSVP!

Evansville Morning Rotary Club Utilizes District Grant funds
to assist in creating a Safe and Welcoming outdoor space for
Families Experiencing Homelessness

Pictured (Left to Right): Dave Meyers (Evansville Morning Rotary Club), Krista King (Benjamin Bosse Interact Club), Alyson Collins (Benjamin Bosse Interact Club),
Larry Cornett (Ozanam Family Shelter), Laura Brown (Evansville Morning Rotary Club), Chaze Patrick (Evansville Morning Rotary Club

by Chaze Patrick, President, Evansville Morning Rotary Club

In a commendable community service endeavor, the Evansville Morning Rotary Club embarked on a project to renovate the gazebos at the Ozanam Family Shelter. With the support of the Rotary District 6580 Grant, the club aimed to create a safe and welcoming outdoor space for families experiencing homelessness. This article explores the process and impact of the renovation project, shedding light on the transformative power of community initiatives.

The Ozanam Family Shelter, situated in the heart of Evansville, provides vital temporary housing and support to families facing homelessness. However, the two gazebos located within the shelter premises were in dire need of repair and renovation. The structures lacked proper roofing, flooring, lighting, and seating, detracting from their functionality and comfort. Recognizing the significance of these outdoor spaces, the Evansville Morning Rotary Club seized the opportunity to improve the living conditions and overall experience for the shelter's residents.

The Evansville Morning Rotary Club demonstrated their commitment to community service by submitting a proposal to the Rotary District 6580 Grant. The comprehensive proposal outlined the club's vision to revitalize the gazebos by replacing roofs, flooring, and lighting, as well as adding new seating arrangements. This project required close collaboration with local contractors and suppliers who shared the club's passion for making a positive impact.

The project kicked off with a thorough assessment of the gazebos' condition. It became evident that extensive repairs were necessary, including new roofing, flooring, and painting. Additionally, improvements to the lighting system were crucial to enhance safety and aesthetics. The Evansville Morning Rotary Club leveraged its network of skilled professionals and secured the support of local contractors and suppliers. Together, they executed the renovation plan, installing new roofing and flooring, painting the structures, and incorporating adequate lighting and comfortable seating arrangements. The result was a transformation of the gazebos into beautiful and functional outdoor spaces.

Rotarians and Interactors come together to add a splash of Rotary Blue to the existing benches.

The renovated gazebos at the Ozanam Family Shelter have had a profound impact on the families residing there. These enhanced outdoor spaces now provide a safe and comfortable environment for families to gather, spend quality time together, and enjoy the surrounding natural elements. The new seating arrangements promote social interaction and create a supportive atmosphere. Additionally, the upgraded gazebos offer a dedicated space for shelter staff to conduct meetings and counseling sessions with families, further augmenting the support services provided.

The successful completion of the Ozanam Family Shelter gazebos renovation project exemplifies the dedication of the Evansville Morning Rotary Club to community service in Southern Indiana. Through initiatives like the Rotary District 6580 Grant, the club showcases its commitment to improving the lives of those in need. By creating welcoming outdoor spaces, the club not only addresses the physical infrastructure requirements but also nurtures a sense of belonging and respite for families facing challenging circumstances. "We are thrilled to have been able to complete this community service project with the support of the Rotary District 6580 Grant. It was an honor to work alongside local contractors and suppliers to renovate the Ozanam Family Shelter gazebos. We believe that every person deserves a safe and comfortable place to call home, and we are proud to have been able to contribute to this goal by providing a welcoming outdoor space for families experiencing homelessness.

We hope that this project will inspire others to get involved in community service and make a positive impact in their own communities." Chaze Patrick, President of the Evansville Morning Rotary Club.

The Evansville Morning Rotary Club's endeavor to revamp the gazebos at the Ozanam Family Shelter stands as a testament to the transformative power of community-driven projects. Through collaboration with local contractors and suppliers, the club successfully transformed two dilapidated structures into safe and inviting outdoor spaces. This project serves as an inspiration for others to engage in community service, spurring positive change in their own communities. The Evansville Morning Rotary Club's commitment to uplifting those experiencing homelessness is a shining example of the potential for collective action to make a lasting impact on the lives of individuals and families in need.

Becoming A Host Family: Opening Your Heart and Home
District 6580 Welcomes 3 Inbound Students

IN-PERSON Training to take place in September
for Club Leaders, District Leaders, and EVERYONE!
Get this on your calendar!!!


Graphics by Gretchen Ross, Social Media Chair
Stay Tuned!!

Washington Rotary Club takes PRIDE in Beautifying their Community

by Joe Wellman, President, Washington Rotary Club

Washington Rotary Club members planted 73 ornamental cherry trees in April. Capitalizing on its city's name, the Washington Rotary Club has planted more than 1700 ornamental cherry trees in the city park and around the community since it began this annual project in 1990. Members and their families, including some children, get involved in planting. Members pitch in to buy trees, and offer to plant trees for anyone in the community who buys a tree.

Rotary Clock with cherry blooms!

As this is not a fundraiser for the club, members take pride in beautifying the community as a service project. Our park is simply beautiful in the spring when the trees are in bloom. The project began in 1990 after former member David Graham (now deceased) visited Washington DC one spring and saw their cherry trees in bloom.

Pictured: Frank Guratzsch (project chair), Cheryl Thorne, Molly Healy, Bob Barron.

l to r: Helper, Bob Barron, Helper, Frank Guratzsch, Jenny Lantaff, Elke Guratzsch, Sherri Tredway, Molly Healy, Helper, Monte Critchlow,
Joe Wellman (club president), Jim Norton, AJ Miles, Charlie Heller (supplier of trees & honorary member).

Register NOW to Feel the Beat in the Heart of America at the
2023 Zones 30 & 31 Institute in Memphis, TN from September 21st-24th, 2023.

This is open to all members of Rotary with special training for our incoming District Leaders. Current, future, and past leaders in clubs and districts will learn new opportunities and experience captivating conversations to move their clubs forward. Learn more details including a schedule, registration link and hotel information at : rizones30-31.org/institute/2023-memphis

September 21st-24th: Institute dates
September 19th-21st: Governor line learning
September 21st: Learning Opportunities for District Chairs
September 22nd: Emerging Rotary Leaders Training for ALL Rotarians

What You’ll Experience

Get ready for a Rotary Reunion with current and future district and club leaders from 13 States and 31 Districts! The format for this Institute will be interactive engagement – meaningful conversations and ideas to take back to your clubs and districts as People of Action. Get inspired to action with topics by the top leaders in Rotary including:

• Rotary International President 2023-24, Gordon McInally

• Rotary Foundation Trustee Chair 2023-24, Barry Rassin will provide an update on our Fight to End Polio and Peace Initiatives

• Learn how to build winning teams quickly from NCAA legends through the Transfer Portal

• Bring your favorite sports jersey for our Tailgate Party

• Learn more about the launch of our Zones 30 & 31 co-mentoring program

• Hear from District leaders from the front lines on how to be best prepared for a disaster in your area

• Learn how to approach difficult conversations and issues that affect us all from Dr. Geetha Jayaram, founder of the Mental Health RAG

• Experience true inspiration from Rudy Ruettiger on how to overcome adversity and achieve goals no one believed could be done

• Enjoy focused, smaller group conversations on topics of interest in The Zone

• Connect with others in fellowship and service in The HUB

Watch your email for announcements about more excitement as we continue to build towards an unforgettable experience you won’t want to miss!

Feel The Beat in the heart and soul of Memphis. Our venue is located right on the Mississippi River and a short trolley ride to many sites and sounds. Come a day early, or stay a day late and see all Memphis has to offer. From music, to history to award-winning food, you’ll want to experience it all.

Feel the Beat!

What is Rotary Leadership Institute?

What is RLI: Rotary Leadership Institute?

from Zone 30 and 31 bulletins

Rotary Leadership (RLI) training is leadership based and provides a broad overview of how Rotary works. This training teaches key insights that will guide participants in future opportunities. The different parts of RLI focus on the interaction among the people in the training. The facilitator’s skills are aimed at helping the members understand that the answers are in the room, within the participants, and not necessarily within the facilitator. Most importantly, the participants choose to participate rather than being asked to attend. This training provides the participant a broader understanding of what Rotary can accomplish and how to collaboratively participate with Rotarians to make a difference through their engagement.

Because classes cover fundamental topics, almost anyone can benefit from RLI classes. RLI training is truly leadership-based and not role-focused. Every Rotarian has the opportunity to participate, regardless of their place in the club. RLI will prepare the participant with a broad understanding of leadership and knowledge of Rotary for whatever future opportunity may be presented. When a Rotarian is invited to take on a specific role, RLI provides a framework to use. You won’t be invited, but you can invite yourself to be a part of RLI and learn from others along the way.

How do I access RLI?
Classes on RLI will be scheduled in our district in 23-24. PDG Lance Eberle and Hillary Person are newly appointed co-coordinators for RLI in 6580 and will be working to set up trainings in our district in the coming year.

Courses through zones 30 and 31 are also being scheduled and can be found at the following website HTTP://WWW.RLIHOA.ORG/CALENDAR.